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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, meeting in Biarritz, France, on the sidelines of the G& summit, discussed the situation in Jammu & Kashmir following the abrogation of the special status for the region and its split into two Union Territories.
The two leaders also focussed on trade and ways to broaden the Indo-US strategic partnership.
“President Trump reaffirmed the need for dialogue between India and Pakistan to reduce tensions and acknowledged India’s role as a critical partner in Afghanistan,” said a statement from the US Embassy in India.
Also read:Isolation of Jammu and Kashmir allowed youth to be misguided, get radicalised: PM Narendra Modi
Modi, in his interaction with Trump, pointed out that there were many issues with Pakistan that were bilateral. “We don’t want to bother any country about these issues. We can find solutions through discussions,” he said. Trump had earlier offered to mediation between India and Pakistan resolve the Kashmir issue. On Monday, he expressed hope that the two countries could sort their differences out through negotiations.
Following the bilateral meeting, Modi tweeted,”Excellent meeting with Donald Trump. We had useful discussions on bilateral matters. We agreed to address trade issues for mutual benefit soon. Looking forward to expand cooperation as large democracies for the benefit of our citizens and global peace and prosperity”.
Also read:President Trump to discuss Kashmir situation with PM Modi at G7 summit in France
While the situation in Jammu & Kashmir and Trump’s interest in the matter is in the global spotlight, India and the US have also been trying to put their bilateral trade negotiations back on track.
Also read:Explainer: What is Article 370?
Talks between the two sides got derailed after Washington removed the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for Indian exporters.
New Delhi also imposed retaliatory duties on 28 American products recently in response to the unilateral increase in import duties on India’s aluminium and steel by Washington last year.
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